A series of horrifying events occur in quick succession in the same upscale L.A. neighborhood. A backyard renovation unearths an infant's body, buried 60 years ago. And soon thereafter in a nearby park, another disturbingly bizarre discovery is made not far from the body of a young woman shot in the head. Helping LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis to link these eerie incidents is brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware. But even the good doctor's vast experience with matters both clinical and criminal might not be enough.

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Publisher's Summary

The number one New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman's "psychology skills and dark imagination are a potent literary mix" (Los Angeles Times), and this intensely thrilling blend has never been so powerful as in the acclaimed author's new novel of murder and madness among the beautiful dreamers, seductive predators, and doomed innocents adrift in the glare of Southern California's eternal sunshine.

A series of horrifying events occur in quick succession in the same upscale L.A. neighborhood. A backyard renovation unearths an infant's body, buried 60 years ago. And soon thereafter in a nearby park, another disturbingly bizarre discovery is made not far from the body of a young woman shot in the head. Helping LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis to link these eerie incidents is brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware. But even the good doctor's vast experience with matters both clinical and criminal might not be enough to cut down to the bone of this chilling case - and draw out the disturbing truth.

Backtracking six decades into the past stirs up tales of a beautiful nurse with a mystery lover, a handsome, wealthy doctor who seems too good to be true, and a hospital with a notorious reputation - all of them long gone, along with any records of a newborn, and destined for anonymity. But the specter of fame rears its head when the case unexpectedly twists in the direction of the highest echelons of celebrity privilege. Entering this sheltered world, Alex little imagines the macabre layer just below the surface - a decadent quagmire of unholy rituals and grisly sacrifice.

Before their work is done, Alex and Milo, "the most original whodunit duo since Watson and Holmes" (Forbes), must confront a fanatically deranged mind of such monstrous cunning that even the most depraved madman would shudder.

I found a very weak story line.....too much repetition.....and do readers really need a detailed description of each article of clothing each character is wearing ....does this add to the story line....don't waste a credit on this one !

If you have read the series and enjoyed it despite the formulaic story lines then there is no reason to stop now!

This outing wasn't one of the best, still entertaining in a cheesy way. There are very obvious parallels to a current actress that make you wonder whether Kellerman is aiming for a movie deal. The crime was bizarre in keeping with the entire series premise, but it feels like this one was a bit of a stretch.

If you have never read any of the series do not make this your first, read When the Bough Breaks it is the first in the series and justifies how you can enjoy Guilt, an eventual watered down version of Milo and Alex.

Would you try another book from Jonathan Kellerman and/or John Rubinstein?

First and last book by these folks. We were sailing a long passage and it was what we had, but if you have competition for your time, this book will not make the cut. Not a snappily written book, there is very little humor or real drama. We had a "Who cares?" feeling about the conclusion. The characters and the plot are not compelling. Reading is average.

Don't waste your credit! I have been a Jonathan Kellerman fan from the first Alex Delaware novel. Read or listened to them all. This book was so boring if I could get my credit back I would. The story is weak with absolutely NO excitement and very little of the humor that is normally interjected between the characters. I certainly hope Jonathan was just having a bad year and not starting to get stale in his writing.

Another great read by Jonathan Kellerman. Love John Rubinstein performance - does Milo Sturgis and Alex Deleware so great! Good plot - always keeps you guessing till the end. Good cast of characters with a few story lines going on. Very much enjoyed Guilt. In fact I could not stop listening - kept me up till the wee hours of the morning so...warning...make sure you have plenty of time to listen or have the will power to hit "pause". Highly recommend Guilt. If you have not read a Kellerman novel before, this is a good one to start with - gives you enough background on the two main characters so you don't feel you have missed out. Not sorry at all I pre-ordered this book. And, unlike some popular authors, Kellerman still delivers a long (time wise) novel even though his books are wildly popular. (Some authors give you only 6-7 hours per book.) Again, a great addictive read.

I really enjoy the author's use of words. It pleases my ear and makes me smile. The descriptions of the places and the way the characters are developed have great appeal. I went back and replayed several chapters when I first listened to the audiobook, and will undoubtedly listen to the whole thing again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot developed nicely and kept me interested and entertained, which is why I finished it in two days. Actually I would have done it more quickly, but forced myself to slow down as I knew I would be disappointed when the book was finished.

Have you listened to any of John Rubinstein’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Love Rubenstein's narration - they really make these books come alive. The individual character voices are always recognizable, and word flow and timing are excellent. Rubenstein's narration is one of the things I most enjoy about the Alex Delaware novels, and when I see that a new book is out, that's the first thing I check.

Any additional comments?

I've read all the Alex Delaware books and this was one of my favorites.

When I ordered Guilt I looked at the review promanently displayed on the page with the synopsis of the story. I have read all of the Alex Delaware books and was so skepical of reading (listening) to this one when the reviewer said it was the last Alex Delaware she would read. I know the subject matter was delicate but I thought this was one of the bext of J. Kellerman's works.

All my favorite characters were there and acting appropriately (true to character). The stroy was a fascinating one and quite convoluted which adds to the mystery. John Rubinstein is a great reader as Alex and Milo and I have trouble identifying with him in some of the TV dramas where I see him as he is still my Alex.

Dissappointments - yes, one major one. I don't want to give it away to readers so I must say the quilty party was not a well developed character. Usually the detectives or someone has more contact with this person in order for the character to be deceptive and the truth revealed. Not so here and It made a hole in the story for me.

I have read or listened to every J Kellerman out there and always enjoyed reading his books. Since I have been listening to him on Audible, I have decided this is my last one. His stories are repetitive. It just seems he has lost his touch for the thriller. Jon Rubenstein is the other reason I can no longer listen to any of his books. He is a good Milo but for the rest I feel his voice is so grating. Sorry Mr. Kellerman, you have lost a reader and listener with this one. Movie stars, murders, cleaned bones and a tribe of kids. A cross between Michael Jackson and Angelina with a touch of true evil thrown in. Seriously? Actually if I could get my credit back I would be very happy.

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